Comments on: Traveling with a pet? Do your doggone homework

By: Cassandra

Cassandra — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:04:21 +0000

You could not even give me the winning lottery ticket to fly any of my animals on a plane.

Heard too many horror stories from a friend of mine who worked as a baggage handler at a major airport and how the pets were treated.

Tell me, would you want someone who is not a pet lover handling your pets before a flight? No thanks!

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:09:34 +0000

Maybe David should also comment on how one should travel with their pet safely in a car, as the chances of being in a car accident with your pet are greater than something happening to your pet in flight. Letting Fido stick his head out the window while you’re driving is not a smart idea, as s/he can get debris in his eyes, or even escape from a moving vehicle. Also, if the vehicle is in an accident, the pet can escape (much as the pup in the airport), or be ejected from the vehicle. People need to think of the safety of their pet in all aspects of travel.
I’ve flown with my dog a couple of times.. Continental has a nice pet program (the cargo area is temperature controlled). You just need to put instructions on the kennel and make sure they are large and dummy proof.
I wouldn’t tranquilize an animal flying, as this messes up their natural ability to adjust to the elevation differences. Old animals, or timid animals should not fly as cargo. Short nosed dogs (or other nasal problemed dogs) should not fly, period.
If you have to fly with a pet, I recommend going through an experienced pet travel agent. They’ve done it a lot, and they know how/what to do.

By: A cynic

A cynic — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:37:06 +0000

Hawaii and Alaksa are afterthoughts anyhow! :)

By: RG PetComm

RG PetComm — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:28:22 +0000

For those who can’t leave your pets behind here are some travel tips so visit your local pet supplies store:

• Make sure your pet’s shots are up-to-date.
• Do not administer any medication or treatments without first discussing them with your veterinarian.
• Obtain documentation from your vet to show that your pet’s vaccinations are current, and that your companion is healthy.
• If you are traveling to another country, check with that nation’s embassy.
• Make sure your pets are wearing collars with current Identification tags.
• Pack any medications your pet may be taking.
• If you are traveling by automobile, think about the animal’s safety as well as your own.
• Do not leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.
• Check with the Airline Carrier for specific requirements when traveling with your pet.
• Try to book a direct flight to your destination to eliminate additional stress by airline transfers.
• Call your hotel/motel ahead to confirm that pets are accepted and if any additional fees are required.

Good Dog Panda!!

By: Robert Murgatroyd

Robert Murgatroyd — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:02:07 +0000

This was an eye opening post. We travel around the world for our company Jet Set Life and from time to time we’ve considered bringing our new pet. This will definitely help us make an informed decision. Thanx

By: marge

marge — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:53:34 +0000

Agreed John F! I think David’s post is very well written and I agree with the sentiment. Just do your homework!

By: John F

John F — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:40:19 +0000

Ouch—AKFlier–this is a blog not a column, so you have to cut him some slack!

By: AKFlier

AKFlier — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:23:27 +0000

Not very useful insight for those of us who live in AK or HI! Your “Lower 48, urbanite” bias is showing. The USA is a huge country and people move vast distances. I work for the federal government and have an ex-military husband. Overseas moves are quite common for folks like us and we need to bring our pets along.

Please write a better column, e.g. one that focuses more on weather conditions, sick pets, short-nosed dogs, and bad communications with the cockpit. I fly AS almost exclusively and they do a great job letting passengers know that their pets are aboard, in the correct hold, with the heat on. Hubby is an air transport pilot with another airline. Animals can be carried properly — don’t use incompetent behavior by a single low level employee as a reason to discourage all air transport of pets.